Why did my son make THAT camera movement?

[brian d]

If he likes the pictures he's making he IS doing it the right way

[df cardwell]

At what point should I step in and gently direct him to the "right" way to use a LF camera?

"There ARE no standards" -Jim Dow

[MattKing]

Are the results he is achieving what he wants to achieve, or is he liking what he gets despite his frustrations?

Ask him if he wants help/suggestions/competition

I expect he will tell you.

Matt

[WetMogwai]

I'd like to see some of his work. It sounds interesting. The camera is just an artistic tool. The artist can use it any way he wants to achieve his vision. I think MattKing's question is the best one. If your son likes what he is getting and means what he gets, it is right.

[Anscojohn]

Reminds me of what an early mentor told me (referring to darkroom): "You think you're bein' creative when all your doin' is makin' a mess!"

[JLP]

Most good advice already posted so i will just add, be happy that you have a 21 year old soon that is into LF photography or at least taking a peak at it. Be supportive and perhaps let him know how you would see this scene but let him explore and learn. One day he may tell you. See i told you this would sell.

[dwdmguy]

I'm surprised a bit. Perhaps his is the "Right" way and you've been pretty plain and "wrong" all these years. Art is VERY objective and you should be teaching him this. You asked.

[Gim]

I would hit him with a stick and tell him "its my way or the highway". That will take care of it. You won't have to worry about it anymore. (sounds like he is having fun)

Best,
Jim

[bowzart]

....
Yes, he recognizes that the images he made are "twisted". He likes that. Imagine a cone shaped building whose image on a 4x5 negative is mostly out of focus except for a narrow horizontal band in the middle that is tack sharp. I've held my opinion in, knowing he is exploring his own vision.

I know ONE professor of Photo in a major university somewhere near you who does just that kind of thing now and then. So, maybe he's working on his admissions portfolio.

[Stephen Frizza]

can we see the image he made?